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The Journey - April 26, 2012

2012Apr 26

COMMENTS

Ziklag: Double Life | Acts 5:1-2 | Devotional

Acts 5:1-2 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.

Ananias, what in the world were you thinking?!?! Why would you go to all the trouble of selling a piece of property, and then pretend to give the whole amount? And this wasn’t something you thought up on the way to church. You and Sapphira talked it over, agreed to the scheme, and designed the cover up. Dude, you could have sold the property, bought the car, booked the cruise, and moved into your dream home. Or you could have said, “We sold some property and we want to give some of the proceeds to the church.” Everyone would have celebrated your generosity. Why the need to pretend that you were giving it all? Ananias, you dropped dead, not because of the amount you gave, but by the impression you wanted to leave. You lied to God and he made your folly an object lesson for the whole Church.

A double life is a lie to God. Does he take that seriously? Ask Ananias.

Lord, may an awesome fear seize us just like it did the church when Ananias and Sapphira lied to you. May we learn from their sin. In Jesus name. Amen.